Mayoral election controversy in Moldova.
A dispute over a mayoral election in the capital Chisinau has broadened into a clash between factions of the same pro-EU political grouping, drawing in Brussels, which finds itself criticising its allies in the Moldovan government. The election was not representative of nationwide trends as pro-European voters are concentrated in the capital, but the row undermines the pro-EU camp ahead of November parliamentary elections.
A Socialist victory may shift Russia's place in Moldova from one of influence to control.
Separatist Transnistria will become less important as a way of putting pressure on Moldova but Russian troops will remain.
Ukraine's leaders will be deeply concerned if their western neighbour turns towards Moscow.
